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Friday, March 29
The Indiana Daily Student

Mexican ballet enticing

The Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández put on a fun, lively and upbeat performance of Mexican culture and history Thursday evening for a nearly full IU Auditorium.\nAudience members were incessant with their applause, never waiting for scene changes to interject their clapping, many times clapping to the beat of the mariachi band that was present during the show. \nThe Ballet Folklórico is a reflection of the many souls and spirits that make up Mexico and a celebration of life in movement, music and color. Scenes include pre-Hispanic rituals, events in Mexico\'s history and depictions of Mexico's culture and folklore.\nIt's rare that audiences at the ballet are so involved in a performance. The costumes were extravagant, full of the color and vigor that graced the entire performance. The traditionally dressed Mexican women's flowing, bright dresses fit the mood of the music and it seemed at times their dresses were a sea of color around them as they danced.\nSince the ballet was unconventional, it cannot be judged as though it were a "normal" ballet. There was not one overriding theme, except the experience of Mexican culture and history. Each scene stood alone with its own topic, including native Indian hunting, the role of women in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and cultural events that fuse Mexico's pre-Spanish history with its European influences. The lavish, attractive costumes of each scene added an upbeat feel.\nA little more work could be done on the togetherness that challenged the dancers, with some bringing their arms or legs or guns down ever so slightly -- just noticeably off from the others.\nThe crowd enjoyed the performance so much that a standing ovation came without hesitation. Perhaps the only other change that could make the Ballet Folklórico de México even more enjoyable would be to add a place for the audience members to dance -- something many obviously wanted to do.

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